US8162764B2 - Constant velocity universal joint - Google Patents

Constant velocity universal joint Download PDF

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Publication number
US8162764B2
US8162764B2 US10/589,284 US58928404A US8162764B2 US 8162764 B2 US8162764 B2 US 8162764B2 US 58928404 A US58928404 A US 58928404A US 8162764 B2 US8162764 B2 US 8162764B2
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Prior art keywords
ball
constant velocity
retainer
velocity universal
joint
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US10/589,284
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US20080248884A1 (en
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Minoru Ishijima
Kenta Yamazaki
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NTN Corp
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NTN Corp
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Priority claimed from JP2004037391A external-priority patent/JP2005226781A/ja
Priority claimed from JP2004037380A external-priority patent/JP2005226778A/ja
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/20—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members
    • F16D3/22—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts
    • F16D3/223—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts the rolling members being guided in grooves in both coupling parts
    • F16D3/224—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts the rolling members being guided in grooves in both coupling parts the groove centre-lines in each coupling part lying on a sphere
    • F16D3/2245—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts the rolling members being guided in grooves in both coupling parts the groove centre-lines in each coupling part lying on a sphere where the groove centres are offset from the joint centre
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/20—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members
    • F16D3/22—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts
    • F16D3/223—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts the rolling members being guided in grooves in both coupling parts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/20—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members
    • F16D3/22—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts
    • F16D3/223—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts the rolling members being guided in grooves in both coupling parts
    • F16D2003/2232—Elements arranged in the hollow space between the end of the inner shaft and the outer joint member
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S464/00—Rotary shafts, gudgeons, housings, and flexible couplings for rotary shafts
    • Y10S464/904—Homokinetic coupling
    • Y10S464/906—Torque transmitted via radially spaced balls

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a constant velocity universal joint which can be used as, for example, a shaft coupling for steering of an automobile.
  • a plurality of Cardan joints cross shaft couplings
  • the Cardan joint is a not-constant velocity universal joint in which the larger an operating angle, the larger the rotational fluctuation between an input axis and an output axis becomes. Ensuring constant velocity by combining a plurality of Cardan joints causes a problem that flexibility in vehicle design is impaired.
  • Using a fixed-type constant velocity universal joint as a shaft coupling for steering has the advantage that the flexibility in vehicle design increases because constant velocity is ensured at any operating angle.
  • FIG. 9 shows a fixed-type constant velocity universal joint (Rzeppa-type constant velocity universal joint: ball fixed joint) which is conventionally used as a coupling joint of a drive shaft and the like in an automobile.
  • the constant velocity universal joint comprises: an outer member 11 in which six curved track grooves 11 b are formed in a spherical inside diameter surface 11 a thereof in an axial direction; an inner joint member 12 in which six curved track grooves 12 b are formed in a spherical outside diameter surface 12 a in the axial direction, and an engagement section 12 c having teeth (serrations or splines) are formed in an inside diameter surface thereof; six torque transmission balls 13 which are disposed in respective six ball tracks, which are formed by the synergy between the track grooves 11 b of the outer member 11 and the track grooves 12 b of the inner joint member 12 corresponding to the track grooves 11 b ; and a retainer 14 which has pockets 14 c for holding the torque transmission balls 13 .
  • the center A of the track groove 11 b of the outer member 11 with respect to the spherical center of the inside diameter surface 11 a and the center B of the track groove 12 b of the inner joint member 12 with respect to the spherical center of the outside diameter surface 12 a are offset oppositely to each other (the center A is offset on the side of an opening of the joint, and the center B is offset on the side of a deeper side of the joint in an example shown in the drawing) at the same distance in the axial direction.
  • the ball track which is formed by the synergy between the track groove 11 b and the track groove 12 b corresponding thereto, is in the shape of a wedge opening to one of the axial directions (on the side of the opening of the joint in the example shown in the drawing).
  • Both of the spherical center of the inside diameter surface 11 a of the outer member 11 and the spherical center of the outside diameter surface 12 a of the inner joint member 12 are in a joint center plane O including the center of the torque transmission ball 13 .
  • the track clearance has large effect on the wobbliness (rotation backlash) between the inner member and the outer member in the circumferential direction. Since the track clearance is indispensable in the fixed-type constant velocity universal joint for the reasons of processing tolerance and assembly, the rotational backlash becomes large. Accordingly, it is a concern that using the joint as a steering joint for the automobile as-is may cause deterioration in steering operability in the vicinity of straight-ahead driving of a vehicle and the occurrence of unusual noise.
  • a first object of the present invention is to further miniaturize the joint and ensure sufficient strength, load-carrying capacity, and durability in order to provide a constant velocity universal joint especially suitable for a steering shaft of an automobile.
  • FIG. 10 shows the retainer 14 of the constant velocity universal joint described above.
  • the retainer 14 has six window-shaped pockets 14 c for holding the torque transmission balls 13 in circumferentially equidistant positions. Both circumferential sides of the pocket 14 c are pillar sections 14 d .
  • the pockets 14 c of the retainer 14 were cut by a press, and then a pair of axial walls 14 c 1 ⁇ refer to FIG. 10( b ) ⁇ opposed in the axial direction was subjected to finishing processing by shaving (broach).
  • the axial initial clearance between the pocket 14 c and the torque transmission ball 13 is set at ⁇ 50 ⁇ m to ⁇ 10 ⁇ m by processing the axial walls 14 c 1 . If there are variations in a processing margin of the axial wall 14 c 1 , however, the center positions of the pockets 14 c are misaligned among the pockets 14 c arranged in the circumferential direction, so that the so-called pocket staggered state occurs and the strength and durability of the retainer 14 become worse. Therefore, a radius of curvature R in corner round sections 14 c 3 of the pocket 14 c is made small, and straight sections 14 c 4 are left.
  • the axial dimension ⁇ between the axial wall 14 c 1 and the straight section 14 c 4 is controlled to prevent the occurrence of the so-called pocket staggered state. Accordingly, making the radius of curvature R of the corner round section 14 c 3 small results in the extension of a pocket area to an originally functionally unnecessary part.
  • the pillar sections of the retainer are under high stress.
  • the surface areas of an inside diameter surface and an outside diameter surface become small, so that there is a concern that sufficient strength and durability of the retainer cannot be ensured.
  • a second object of the present invention is to optimize pocket structure without impairing the function of the retainer in order to increase the strength and durability of the retainer, and by extension the strength and durability of the joint.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-130082
  • a constant velocity universal joint comprises: an outer member which is provided with a spherical inner surface in which a plurality of track grooves are formed; an inner member which is provided with a spherical outer surface in which a plurality of track grooves are formed, balls disposed in a wedge-shaped ball track which is formed by the synergy between the track groove of the outer member and the track groove of the inner member; a retainer disposed between the spherical inner surface of the outer member and the spherical outer surface of the inner member to hold the balls; a press section which is provided in the inner member and applies elastic pressure in an axial direction; and a receiver section which is provided in the retainer and receives the pressure from the press section.
  • This length will be hereinafter called (PCR) ⁇ .
  • the reason of 1.5 ⁇ r1 ⁇ 4.0 is that it is difficult for the constant velocity universal joint to extensively vary the PCD of the ball within the confines of limited space, and the value of r1 mainly depends on the diameter of the ball. Since the constant velocity universal joint for steering is used within the confines of low load torque in comparison with a conventional constant velocity universal joint, the inner and outer member can be thinner. In case of r1 ⁇ 1.5, however, the thickness of the outer member, the inner member, or the like becomes too thin, so that there is a concern about a lack of strength. In case of 4.0 ⁇ r1, the load-carrying capacity of the ball and each track surface becomes small, so that there is a concern about durability.
  • the value of r1 mainly depends on the diameter (D BALL ) of the ball.
  • D BALL diameter of another member
  • r1 ⁇ 1.5 generally when the diameter D BALL of the ball is large
  • the thickness of another member the outer member, the inner member, or the like
  • the load-carrying capacity becomes small, so that there is concern about durability.
  • 1.5 ⁇ r1 ⁇ 4.0 makes it possible to sufficiently ensure the strength of the outer member and the like and the load-carrying capacity and durability of the joint. This is corroborated by tests.
  • Table 1 shows evaluations based on comparative tests
  • r1 ⁇ 2.3 the strength of the inner member, the outer member, and the retainer and the durability of the joint are sufficiently ensured, and desirable results are obtained.
  • the tests are not carried out in a range of r1>3.9, but it is assumed that desirable results are obtained as with above. In case of r1>4.0, however, durability seems to be a problem, so that r1 ⁇ 4.0 is desirable.
  • r1 should be set in a range of 1.5 ⁇ r1 ⁇ 4.0, and more preferably in a range of 2.3 ⁇ r1 ⁇ 4.0.
  • r1 is set in a range of 1.5 to 4.0 times because the strength of an inner ring 2 is reduced when r1 is less than 1.5 times.
  • r1 is more than 4.0 times, on the other hand, there occurs the inconvenience that the strength of the retainer 4 is reduced and also the outside diameter of the outer joint member becomes large.
  • the reason of 3.0 ⁇ r2 ⁇ 5.0 is as follows.
  • the pitch circle diameter (PCD SERR ) of the teeth of the inner member cannot be extensively varied in relation to the strength of the other axis and the like.
  • the value of r2 mainly depends on the outside diameter (D OUTER ) of the outer joint member.
  • D OUTER outside diameter
  • r2 ⁇ 3.0 generally when the outside diameter D OUTER is small
  • the thickness of each member becomes too thin, so that there is a concern about strength.
  • r2>5.0 generally when the outside diameter D OUTER is large
  • 3.0 ⁇ r2 ⁇ 5.0 can ensure the strength of the outer member and the like and the durability of the joint, and also satisfy a practical request.
  • r2 is set in a range of 3.0 ⁇ r2 ⁇ 5.0.
  • the center of the track groove of the outer joint member with respect to a spherical center of an inside diameter surface and the center of the track groove of the inner member with respect to the spherical center of an outside diameter surface are offset oppositely to each other at the same distance (F) in an axial direction.
  • the offset amount (F) is too large: (1) a track becomes shallow in a large operating angle region, and hence allowable load torque is reduced; (2) a movement amount of the ball in the direction of the diameter increases in the pocket of the retainer, so that it becomes necessary to increase the thickness (dimension in the direction of the diameter) of the retainer in order to prevent the ball from dropping off. Thus, the track becomes shallow, and the allowable load torque is reduced; (3) a movement amount of the ball in a circumferential direction increases in the pocket of the retainer, so that it becomes necessary to extend the circumferential dimension of the pocket of the retainer in order to ensure the proper movement of the ball. Thus, pillar sections of the retainer become narrow, and there is a problem of strength.
  • the foregoing (1) to (3) matter in R1>0.162
  • the foregoing (4) and (5) matter in R1 ⁇ 0.109.
  • the optimum range of the offset amount (F) is 0.109 ⁇ R1 ⁇ 0.162 in terms of ensuring the allowable load torque, ensuring the strength of the retainer, reduction in the track load, ensuring durability, and ensuring the maximum operating angle.
  • a fourth invention of the present application is characterized in that the number of the torque transmission balls is equal to or less than six, and a contact angle ( ⁇ ) between the track and the ball is in a range of 30° ⁇ 40°.
  • the constant velocity universal joint for steering is always used at a large operating angle, in contrast to that for a drive shaft.
  • a contact ellipse between the track groove and the ball runs onto a track edge under a heavy load, and the allowable load torque of inner and outer ring tracks at a large angle region becomes short, so that there is a concern about durability.
  • setting the contact angle ( ⁇ ) at the range of 30° ⁇ 40° can achieve improvement in an allowable load torque diagram.
  • a constant velocity universal joint comprises: an outer member which is provided with a spherical inner surface in which a plurality of track grooves are formed; an inner member which is provided with a spherical outer surface in which a plurality of track grooves are formed; balls disposed in a wedge-shaped ball track which is formed by the synergy between the track groove of the outer member and the track groove of the inner member; and a retainer disposed between the spherical inner surface of the outer member and the spherical outer surface of the inner joint member to hold the balls.
  • the ball always makes contact with the ball track by preload applying means.
  • the ball track is open to one of the axial directions in the shape of a wedge.
  • a pocket of the retainer has corner round sections, and a ratio (R/d) between a radius of curvature R of the corner round section and a diameter d of the torque transmission ball is R/d ⁇ 0.22.
  • the general tolerance (general tolerance: when classification of standard dimensions exceeds 6 mm, allowable tolerance is ⁇ 1 mm) of the R dimension is ⁇ 1 mm
  • the maximum value and the minimum value of the R dimension were obtained, and then the maximum value and the minimum value of R/d corresponding to each value were obtained (the typical value of R/d was an average value of the maximum value and the minimum value).
  • 0.45 ⁇ R/d ⁇ 0.62 was obtained as the desirable range of R/d.
  • the ratio (R/d) was set in a range of R/d ⁇ 0.22, and more preferably in a range of 0.45 ⁇ R/d ⁇ 0.62. Setting the ratio (R/d) in the foregoing range makes it possible to minimize pocket space without impairing the function (operability of the torque transmission balls) of the retainer, and hence it is possible to increase the surface areas of an inside diameter surface and an outside diameter surface of the retainer. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the strength and durability of the retainer in cooperation with the reduction effect of the maximum principal stress load in the pillar section.
  • the ninth invention of the present application provides a structure in which the pocket of the retainer has corner round sections, and the ratio (R/d) between the radius of curvature R of the corner round section and the diameter d of the torque transmission ball is R/d ⁇ 0.22, and more preferably 0.45 ⁇ R/d ⁇ 0.62.
  • This invention may be applied to a constant velocity universal joint with a straight section which has a straight fillet in each track groove of the outer member and the inner joint member.
  • the other matters are the same as those in the constant velocity universal joint of the invention described above.
  • the torque transmission balls are integrated as follows. Relatively varying the angle between the outer member and the inner member, in such a state that the pocket of the retainer faces to the outside from an opening section of the outer member on one side, the torque transmission ball is integrated into the pocket of the retainer and the ball track. When the angle between the outer member and the inner member relatively varies, the torque transmission balls held in the pockets of the retainer relatively move in the circumferential direction.
  • the six pockets of the retainer can be composed of one kind of pocket, the circumferential lengths thereof are the same. Setting the ratio (R/d) at a value in the foregoing range, as described above, can improve the strength and durability of the retainer, so that it is also possible to equalize the circumferential lengths of all six pockets (the same length as the foregoing second pocket) as in the tenth invention of this application.
  • At least a pair of axial walls opposed in an axial direction of the retainer are formed by cutting after heat treatment of the retainer.
  • Cutting here includes grinding, cutting by quenched steel, and the like. Accordingly, since variations in a processing margin of the axial wall are reduced, it is possible to eliminate a straight section, which is provided in conventional pocket structure to control the processing margin of the axial wall. Thus, it is possible to increase the radius of curvature of the corner round section, and hence set the ratio (R/d) at a value in the foregoing range.
  • the first invention it is possible to further miniaturize the size of the constant velocity universal joint and to sufficiently ensure strength, load-carrying capacity, durability, and an operating angle in the constant velocity universal joint which has preload means inside the joint for always making the balls contact the ball tracks to restrain rotational backlash.
  • the structure of the pocket can be optimized without impairing the function of the retainer, so that it is possible to increase the strength and durability of the retainer, and by extension the strength and durability of the joint.
  • FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a constant velocity universal joint for steering to which the present invention is applied;
  • FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the joint of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a plunger unit section
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the plunger unit section
  • FIG. 5( a ) is a cross sectional view of a retainer
  • FIG. 5( b ) is a longitudinal sectional view of a retainer
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view showing the periphery of a pocket of the retainer
  • FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between a ratio (R/d) and a maximum principal stress load of a pillar section
  • FIG. 8( a ) is a plan view of a steering device
  • FIG. 8( b ) is a side view of the steering device
  • FIG. 8( c ) is a perspective view of the steering device
  • FIG. 9( a ) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a conventional constant velocity universal joint
  • FIG. 9( b ) is a cross sectional view showing a conventional constant velocity universal joint
  • FIG. 10( a ) is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional retainer
  • FIG. 10( b ) is an enlarged plan view showing the periphery of a pocket in the conventional joint.
  • a constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention will be described in detail.
  • the embodiment described below takes a case where the present invention is applied to a Rzeppa-type (BJ), being a kind of fixed-type constant velocity universal joint, as an example.
  • BJ Rzeppa-type
  • UJ undercut free joint
  • a constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention is available for not only steering but also a drive shaft and a propeller shaft.
  • the steering device transmits the rotational motion of a steering wheel 66 to a steering gear 68 through a steering column composed of one or a plurality of steering shafts 62 for the purpose of converting the rotational motion into the reciprocating motion of a tie rod 69 .
  • a steering column composed of one or a plurality of steering shafts 62 for the purpose of converting the rotational motion into the reciprocating motion of a tie rod 69 .
  • one or a plurality of shaft couplings is disposed between the steering shafts 62 so as to be able to transmit correct rotational motion to the steering gear 68 even in a state of bending the steering shafts 62 .
  • the fixed-type constant velocity universal joint is used as the shaft coupling 61 .
  • a symbol ⁇ in FIG. 8( b ) represents a bend angle of the joint, and a large bend angle exceeding 30° can be set.
  • the steering device may be an electric power steering device (EPS) in which a motor applies auxiliary power, or may be a hydraulic power steering device.
  • EPS electric power steering device
  • a fixed-type constant velocity universal joint for steering has a connecting shaft 5 with a yoke 70 connected to a steering shaft.
  • the fixed-type constant velocity universal joint is configured to include: an outer member 1 being an outer joint member in which six curved track grooves 1 a are formed in a spherical inside diameter surface 1 b in an axial direction; an inner joint member 2 in which six curved track grooves 2 a are formed in a spherical outside diameter surface 2 b in the axial direction, and an engagement section 2 d having teeth (serrations or splines) for coupling the connecting shaft 5 are formed in an inside diameter surface; six torque transmission balls 3 disposed in six ball tracks which are formed by the synergy between the track grooves 1 a of the outer member 1 and the track grooves 2 a of the inner joint member 2 corresponding to the track grooves 1 a ; and a retainer 4 which holds the torque transmission balls 3 .
  • An axial end section of the connecting shaft 5 engages with the engagement section 2 d of the inner joint member 2 with teeth (serration engagement or spline engagement).
  • the inner joint member 2 and the connecting shaft 5 compose an inner member 6 .
  • a rubber or resin boot 20 is attached between the outer member 1 and the connecting shaft 5 to prevent the entry of dust and the like into the joint.
  • the center O 1 of the track groove 1 a of the outer member 1 with respect to the spherical center of the inside diameter surface 1 b and the center O 2 of the track groove 2 a of the inner joint member 2 with respect to the spherical center of the outside diameter surface 2 b are offset oppositely to each other (the center O 1 is on the side of an opening of the joint, and the center O 2 is on a deeper side of the joint in an example shown in the drawing) at the same distance (F) in the axial direction.
  • the ball track which is formed by the synergy between the track groove 1 a and the track groove 2 a corresponding thereto, is in the shape of a wedge opening to one of the axial directions (on the side of the opening of the joint in the example shown in the drawing).
  • Both of the spherical center of an outside diameter surface 4 b of the retainer 4 and the spherical center of the inside diameter surface 1 b of the outer member 1 being a guide surface of the outside diameter surface 4 b of the retainer 4 are in a joint center plane O including the center O 3 of the ball 3 .
  • both of the spherical center of an inside diameter surface 4 c of the retainer 4 and the spherical center of the outside diameter surface 2 b of the inner joint member 2 being a guide surface of the inside diameter surface 4 c of the retainer 4 are in the joint center plane O.
  • the foregoing offset amount (F) of the outer member 1 is the axial distance between the center O 1 of the track groove 1 a and the joint center plane O.
  • the foregoing offset amount (F) of the inner joint member 2 is the axial distance between the center O 2 of the track groove 2 a and the joint center plane O, and hence both offset amounts are equal.
  • the center O 1 of the track groove 1 a of the outer member 1 and the center O 2 of the track groove 2 a of the inner joint member deviate oppositely (the center O 1 of the track groove 1 a is on the side of the opening of the joint, and the center O 2 of the track groove 2 a is on the deeper side of the joint) at the same distance (F) with respect to the joint center plane O in the axial direction.
  • Each of the length of a segment connecting the center O 1 of the track groove 1 a of the outer member 1 and the center O 3 of the ball 3 and the length of a segment connecting the center O 2 of the track groove 2 a of the inner member 2 and the center O 3 of the ball 3 is PCR. Both lengths are equal.
  • a plunger unit 50 is attached to an axial end of the connecting shaft 5 connected to the steering shaft through the yoke 70 in order to restrain rotational backlash.
  • the plunger unit 50 is an assembly which comprises a ball 53 being a press member having a press section 52 in its end, a compression coil spring 54 being an elastic member, and a case 55 being a container member for containing the ball 53 and the compression coil spring 54 .
  • the compression coil spring 54 is a source of elastic force which presses the ball 53 on the deeper side of the outer member 1 (in a ball protruding direction).
  • a press section 52 is formed in the connecting shaft 5
  • a receiving section 58 is formed in the retainer 4 .
  • the receiving section 58 may be provided in the connecting shaft 5 and the press section 52 may be provided in the retainer 4 contrarily, as long as the inner member 6 and the retainer 4 are relatively pressed.
  • the plunger unit 50 is fixed when its case 55 is press-fitted or bonded to a recessed section 5 a formed in the axial end of the connecting shaft 5 .
  • a flange 55 b of the case 55 engages with an axial end surface of the connecting shaft 5 , so that the position of the plunger unit 50 is fixed with reference to the axial end surface.
  • the case 55 of the plunger unit 50 is in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom, and an engaged section 55 a protruding on the side of an inside diameter is provided at the edge of its opening end. Since the inside diameter ⁇ d of the engaged section 55 a is smaller than the outside diameter ⁇ D of the ball 53 , it is possible to prevent the ball 53 from dropping off. Accordingly, the ball 53 , the compression coil spring 54 , and the case 55 are assembled into a unit. As to means for providing an engaged section to prevent the ball 53 from dropping off, various structures are available in addition to forming the engaged section 55 a by swaging the edge of the opening end of the case 55 along the whole circumference.
  • a receiver member 56 is attached to an end section of the retainer 4 on the deeper side of the outer member 1 .
  • the receiver member 56 is in the shape of a lid covering an opening at an end of the retainer 4 , and is composed of a spherical section 56 a in a partial spherical shape and an attachment section 56 b formed in the outer periphery of the spherical section 56 a in the shape of a ring.
  • the inner surface (surface opposed to the connecting shaft 5 ) of the spherical section 56 a is a concave spherical surface which functions as the receiving section 58 for receiving pressure from the press section 52 .
  • the attachment section 56 b is fixed in the end of the retainer 4 by proper means such as press or welding.
  • the inside diameter Ro of the receiving section 58 in a recessed spherical shape is set larger than the outside diameter ( ⁇ D/2) (refer to FIG. 3 ) of the ball 53 having the press section 52 (Ro>( ⁇ D/2)).
  • the radius Ro of the inside diameter of the receiving section 58 is set larger than the radius Ri of the spherical inner surface of the retainer 4 (Ro>Ri).
  • the primary diameters of the joint are set as follows.
  • the structure of the above (I) may be adopted alone.
  • FIG. 5 shows the retainer 4 .
  • the retainer 4 is provided with six window-shaped pockets 4 a for containing and holding the torque transmission balls 3 and pillar sections 4 d between the pockets 4 a adjoining in the circumferential direction.
  • the circumferential lengths of each pocket 4 a are all equal.
  • the retainer 4 is made of, for example, carburized steel which has a carburized layer in its surface due to carburizing and quenching. Chrome steel, chromium molybdenum steel, nickel chrome molybdenum steel, or the like is available as the carburized steel.
  • the pocket 4 a of the retainer 4 comprises a pair of axial walls 4 a 1 opposed in the axial direction of the retainer 4 , a pair of circumferential walls 4 a 2 opposed in the circumferential direction, and corner round sections 4 a 3 connecting the axial wall 4 a 1 and the circumferential wall 4 a 2 .
  • the ratio (R/d) of the radius of curvature R of the corner round section 4 a 3 to the diameter d of the torque transmission ball 3 is set in a range of 0.45 ⁇ R/d ⁇ 0.62.
  • the circumferential wall 4 a 2 and the corner round sections 4 a 3 are drawn in a single arc with the radius of curvature R.
  • the axial walls 4 a 1 grinding, cutting by quenched steel, or the like is carried out after the heat treatment (carburizing and quenching) of the retainer 4 in order to reduce variations in a processing margin (the circumferential walls 4 a 2 and the corner round sections 4 a 3 are remained as-is after a cutting process by press).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Power Steering Mechanism (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
  • Shafts, Cranks, Connecting Bars, And Related Bearings (AREA)
  • Steering Controls (AREA)
US10/589,284 2004-02-13 2004-12-17 Constant velocity universal joint Expired - Fee Related US8162764B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2004-037380 2004-02-13
JP2004-037391 2004-02-13
JP2004037391A JP2005226781A (ja) 2004-02-13 2004-02-13 等速自在継手
JP2004037380A JP2005226778A (ja) 2004-02-13 2004-02-13 等速自在継手
PCT/JP2004/019473 WO2005078302A1 (fr) 2004-02-13 2004-12-17 Joint homocinetique

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080248884A1 US20080248884A1 (en) 2008-10-09
US8162764B2 true US8162764B2 (en) 2012-04-24

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/589,284 Expired - Fee Related US8162764B2 (en) 2004-02-13 2004-12-17 Constant velocity universal joint

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US8162764B2 (fr)
EP (1) EP1715208A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO2005078302A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

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US10260569B2 (en) * 2013-06-26 2019-04-16 Ntn Corporation Fixed-type constant velocity universal joint
US20210140488A1 (en) * 2018-07-05 2021-05-13 Gkn Driveline International Gmbh Constant velocity joint

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EP1926920B1 (fr) * 2005-09-23 2010-11-10 GKN Driveline International GmbH Joint homocinetique fixe optimise a chemins de roulement a billes sans contre-depouille
JP5202887B2 (ja) * 2007-06-29 2013-06-05 Ｎｔｎ株式会社 ステアリング用ジョイント
JP6165497B2 (ja) * 2012-08-03 2017-07-19 Ntn株式会社 等速自在継手用保持器およびこれを組み込んだ固定式等速自在継手、並びにこの固定式等速自在継手を組み込んだドライブシャフト
CN112483015B (zh) * 2019-09-12 2023-06-30 中国石油天然气股份有限公司 万向节结构及其使用方法
US20210372485A1 (en) * 2020-05-26 2021-12-02 Aircraft Gear Corporation Method of carburizing driveline components

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US10260569B2 (en) * 2013-06-26 2019-04-16 Ntn Corporation Fixed-type constant velocity universal joint
US20210140488A1 (en) * 2018-07-05 2021-05-13 Gkn Driveline International Gmbh Constant velocity joint
US11796008B2 (en) * 2018-07-05 2023-10-24 Gkn Driveline International Gmbh Constant velocity joint

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1715208A4 (fr) 2009-09-09
US20080248884A1 (en) 2008-10-09
EP1715208A1 (fr) 2006-10-25
WO2005078302A1 (fr) 2005-08-25

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